India vs England 1st Test: 3 Positives for Team India

It was a win-win situation for both India and England after dominating alternate sessions of play the first test match finally ended with a fitting result of draw. At one stage both the teams where in with a chance of winning the opening test of the series. It was a morale victory for India as drawing (not losing) the first test of an overseas series is the rarest feat achieved by the team in recent years. Even though the wicket at Trent Bridge was in contrast with the actual English conditions India did well on all five days of the match and had something to cheer about at the end of the game. We take look at some of the positives for India during the course of the first test

Murali Vijay looked solid and in touch

Murali Vijay’s ton in the 1st innings was a perfect merger of resilience and determination as he notched his first century outside India and fourth of his career. Gautam Gambhir is part of the squad and Shikhar Dhawan had form on his side that would have worried Vijay a lot as his place seemed to be in danger if he had failed to deliver. He stood tall and played impressively to win all the accolades and set the tone for rest of the series. Vijay then in 2nd innings continued the good work with a sturdy half-century and showed why he is India’s first-choice opener at the moment.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar shaping up as an all-rounder

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is slowly but effectively progressing with every passing match and his valiant effort in the first test with both bat and ball saw him become only the 16th player to score two fifties in a Test to go with a 5-fer. He played a valuable knock of 58 in the 1st innings which lasted for 149 balls showing his caliber to stay on a wicket and not only hang around but score as well. Done with batting he returned to his original job and bowled well to keep England batsmen tied down and claimed five-wicket haul on a wicket which had almost nothing for seamers. Bhuvi again found himself in the middle with bat and continued exhibiting his skills with the willow, notching another half-century. He remained unbeaten on 63 off 138 balls again showing his willingness to spent time in the middle.

Stuart Binny has the temperament

Stuart Binny had forgettable first four days of his debut test match as he lasted only 11 balls in his 1st innings batting at number eight and then as a fifth bowling option Captain MS Dhoni did not showed much of a faith in him and only he could bowl was 10 overs out of 145 faced by England. Dhoni’s reluctance to throw the ball to debutant would certainly have demoralised him and that too when on day 4 Murali Vijay bowled ahead of Binny. Finally in 2nd innings he had his moment of bravery in the test match, when India were six down for 184 (effectively 145) on day 5. With top order back in the hutch he needed to show determination and courage to bat India out of trouble. Binny showed the temperament of a test batsman as he brought up his maiden fifty denying England his crucial wicket and took India to safety.